Today is the annual International Day of Peace — let’s give it a chance. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the laying down of arms and a 24-hour cease-fire. The day was established in 1981 by the U.N. General Assembly as an opportunity for people around the world to promote the resolution of conflict and to observe a cessation of hostilities. This sweeping notion includes “cessation of hostilities” on the global level, and the individual level.
“Let’s make this International Day of Peace a day without violence, and a day of forgiveness. If, for one day, we can live in a world without aggression and hostility, we can imagine how much more is possible,” said Secretary-General Ban. His words echo the theme of this year’s commemoration: “Partnerships for Peace — Dignity for All.”
To foster the idea at home, let’s try for a day to not to refer to those we disagree with as “haters.” Let’s not call someone’s genuine concern “hand-wringing.” And like all demeaning labels, let’s retire “illegals.” (Just for a day, for those who can’t take all this kumbaya malarkey.) This would also be a good day to respectfully present facts to those who spin all sorts of conspiracy theories about the U.N.
Dona Cherian, writing on Gulfnews.com, an English language newspaper and website in the Middle East, rounds up actions by countries, individuals and agencies to be proud of, that provide hope:
Turkey has taken in almost 2 million Syrian refugees, and registered toward resettlement, the most of any country.
European countries like Germany (accepting around 800,000 Syrians), Sweden, Austria, and Malta are spending much more than their U.N. quota for refugee aid aimed at safe living conditions for the refugees and possible resettlement.
Volunteer groups in Syria, such as the White Helmets, have saved more than 12,500 lives. Doctors Without Borders have three ships out in the Mediterranean Sea saving people every day; 1,658 being their daily best.
Christopher Catrambone and his wife, Regina, created the Migrants Offshore Aid Station with a personal investment of $8 million. They have a volunteer team comprising of humanitarian workers, doctors and other experts and have saved over 3,000 lives this summer.
“Airbnb for Refugees” by Refugees Welcome, is a Berlin-based website which allows Europeans to enlist and offer housing to refugees escaping war from Africa and the Middle East. Other sites include Stop The War coalition and Move On in the U.S., among others.
Practice peace, and forgiveness in small ways, big ways, any way, and imagine how much more is possible.
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